Frequently Asked Questions

What does Viagra do for men?

Viagra (often referred to as “the small blue pill”) causes relaxation of smooth muscles and rapidly increases blood flow to certain areas of the man’s body. Simply put, when a man is sexually aroused, Viagra aids the penis to fill up with enough blood hence causing an erection.

Men who sometimes cannot perform well in bed suffer from what sexologists call ‘performance anxiety.’ This is a psychological problem that can adversely affect relationships, sex life, as well as cause stress and depression which in some cases may even lead to death. Viagra offers both psychological and physiological benefits by enabling a man to improve his performance and confidence and get rid of the performance anxiety, which essentially leads to a happy and comfortable sex life free from disappointing erectile dysfunction.

Interestingly, recent research has indicated that Viagra has been of great benefit to men who suffer from heart failure and erectile dysfunction at the same time. This is because the pill reduces pressure on the arteries, increases oxygen uptake, improves the proper working of the lungs and, most importantly, it helps the user gain the ability to exercise. Viagra does all these by raising the levels of nitric oxide in a man’s body.

For a fact, men who were unable to talk to their physicians openly about their inability to efficiently enjoy sex have now gained the confidence to openly discuss their sexual health thanks to the immense benefits that this drug has brought.

How much does Viagra cost in offline and online pharmacies?

Branded Viagra is manufactured by the famous pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. First let’s look at three of the most reputable pharmacies where you can buy original Viagra - CVS, Walmart and Walgreens - and compare their prices.

At CVS, this erectile dysfunction medication retails at $446 for ten pills, which translates to about $44.60 for one pill. At Walmart, this famous blue pill sells at $421 for ten pills, which means a single pill goes for $42.10. At Walgreens, this drug sells at $420; therefore one pill sells at $42.

On the other hand, Viagra can be much cheaper depending on the manufacturer. At its generic version, the drug can be bought at the rate of $2-$4 for a single pill. In fact, some legitimate online stores will retail this medication at a much lower price, but it will be generic Viagra, not branded one by Pfizer.

Essentially, the difference in pricing between the two types of pharmacy (online and offline) is that offline pharmacies have physical stores for which rent has to be paid. They also have middle men and distributors, whom they have to pay at the end of the day. They must, therefore, increase the price of the pill to keep their businesses alive.

Online stores, on the other hand, avoid such overhead costs. They do not pay rent, distributors or middlemen. Therefore, they have no reason to increase the price of Viagra to gain profit for their business.

How long does it take for Viagra to start working after I’ve taken a pill?

Since our bodies function in slightly different ways, the effects of Viagra will often vary from one person to another. It is however thought that the drug will start working in the majority of people after 30-60 minutes. The time it takes for this drug to take effect will be dependent on either of the following factors:

i) The food you eat. If you have had a meal shortly before taking this medication, it will take more time for it to kick in. Fatty foods to be precise are said to be the biggest obstacle to the rapid effectiveness of Viagra in a human body. Preferably, take this drug on an empty stomach, or 2 hours after taking a meal.

ii) The level of sexual stimulation. Viagra will not give you an erection automatically. It requires sexual stimulation to start working in the shortest time possible.

iii) Alcohol uptake. Drinking alcohol even in the smallest amounts before taking Viagra can influence the effectiveness of the drug. Drinking alcohol excessively can compromise erections and the levels of sexual arousal, hence making it more difficult for the drug to work properly and timely.

How long does Viagra last?

The time that Viagra will last also varies from person to person. It has been known to last for 5-6 hours in most people. This means that you can take the pill in the afternoon and still have quality sex with your partner in the evening.

It has, however, been reported that the pill may start to wear off in some men after 2 hours. There are a myriad of factors that can lead to this including age - as a rule of the thumb, the older you are, the longer Viagra will stay in your body. Men over the age of 65 realize that Viagra stays in their bodies for longer (over 6 hours) because their metabolic systems tend to slow down.

Taking certain drugs before or right after Viagra can affect how long it will last in your body. It is wise to discuss your medical history with your doctor before any prescription is made. If you suffer from conditions such as kidney problems, the effect of Viagra could last longer in your body. This is simply because the pill will take a while to be broken down. Hence it is important to discuss your health with the physician before prescription.

The dosage can also affect the duration of the effect experienced. The higher the dose, the more long-lasting the effects of Viagra can be. If you take 100 mg, for example, the effects may last a bit longer than when you take 25 mg or 50 mg.

Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?

Essentially, Viagra will help you deal with erectile dysfunction and, sometimes, with premature ejaculation. However, the question of whether it will make you last longer in bed is still a puzzle that many people, including scientists, have to solve. It is said that Viagra causes less sensation hence might make some people last longer in bed than normal. Some people claim that Viagra makes them last longer, especially in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of sex, and they tend to take shorter breaks between the rounds. Viagra indeed decreases the male refractory period, hence enabling the user to gain an erection faster after ejaculation.

So the answer to this question is rather ‘yes.’ Most men perform a bit longer with Viagra.

Can women take Viagra for their arousal problems?

The physiological aspects of men’s and women’s sexuality are different. A solution to men's problems is, therefore, less likely to work for women. Research on the effects of Viagra on women has made great steps, but the results are not very promising. Since the pill works to improve blood flow in certain parts of the body, it might theoretically have some effects on women.

Some studies have shown that Viagra tablets improve sexual enjoyment in women, but only in some of them. Besides, the effects tend to be minor in most cases. Only a small percentage of women experience pronounced improvement as a result of taking Viagra.

If you are experiencing low sexual desire as a lady, talk to your physician about what you can do. For most women, arousal problems are usually psychological hence can be improved without the help of the blue pill. Also, remember that no physician will prescribe Viagra to a woman as the drug is only approved for men as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Do I need a prescription for Viagra?

If taken carelessly, Viagra can pose a threat to the overall health of the human body. In order to be safe, it is advisable to buy Viagra legally and get a prescription. Some people feel embarrassed to talk to their doctors about their sexual problems, and as a result they end up purchasing this drug in some illegitimate online stores, where no prescription is required. When combined with other medications, Viagra can have unfortunate side effects on your health.

Some online stores, however, have developed a system whereby you can speak to a doctor directly, or you can fill in a questionnaire, which is reviewed by a doctor before the drug is sold to you. This way, the doctor can understand your problem and determine your dosage.

Do you, therefore, need a prescription for a Viagra? The answer is yes, you need it. As they say, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry.

Where can I buy Viagra for my erectile dysfunction?

When buying Viagra for your erectile dysfunction, you have two options: buying from a physical store (offline pharmacy), or from a legitimate online store. If you decide to purchase it in your local physical store, well and good, but be ready to dig deeper into your pocket.

Buying Viagra online has become a popular trend. This is mainly because the internet has brought convenience, enabling one to do the shopping from their homes. Additionally, purchasing this pill for your ED from an online pharmacy is usually the cheapest option. Some of the online stores will sell this product for over 50% less than it is sold in physical stores.

The main drawback when it comes to buying Viagra is the fact that many people want to use "short cuts" to deal with their erectile dysfunction. They, therefore, don’t consult the doctor to get a prescription and purchase this drug illegally through illegitimate online pharmacies where no prescription is needed.

Always remember that your health is as important as your life. No matter where you buy your Viagra, remember that it should be purchased legally only with a prescription from a qualified doctor.

How long does Viagra stay in my system after I’ve taken the standard dose of 100 mg?

Normally, Viagra taken at the standard dose of 100 mg will last up to 6 hours. This means that after ingesting the drug into your system, you can experience the effect of the drug in the course of 6 hours, after which its effect will begin to lessen substantially. However, even after this time the drug can be still detected in blood for some time.

The liver and kidneys are the organs of the body that dismantle the drug and clear it from the body. You will, therefore, find that if you have liver or kidneys problems, Viagra in its standard dosage of 100 mg will stay longer in your body. So consider checking your health with your doctor before buying this drug. If you are above 65 years old, Viagra in its standard dose can last longer than normal in your blood stream. Research has indicated that many people at this age experience the effects of the drug for more than 6 hours.

Certain medication and/or alcohol may also affect the amount of time Viagra will stay in your body.

Is Viagra covered by insurance?

Most researchers argue that one dollar spent on Viagra is as important as one dedicated to kidney dialysis. This is mainly because erectile dysfunction in men has become a common menace that needs to be dealt with. And one of the main ways to deal with the condition is through the blue pill.

There are quality Medicare plans in which prescription drugs are included. However, the struggle to have Viagra insured in a majority of countries has proven futile. This is because no policies have been put in place for insurance companies to put this into consideration. Whereas discounting programs of this important drug exist in many pharmacies, there has been an urgent need to have it insured, but unfortunately, the world is yet to get there.

You should, therefore, know that currently health insurance companies are not obliged to include Viagra in their medication lists. However, since companies may have different policies, there are few that cover Viagra, but they are rather exceptions.

How often can I take Viagra if I have erectile dysfunction?

Viagra is and should be prescribed medication. The dose should therefore be determined by your doctor. However, the archetypal dose of Viagra is 50 mg to be taken once a day whenever needed. The dose can be later adjusted by your doctor to either 25 or 100 mg depending on how your body reacts to the drug.

Theoretically, Viagra can be taken every day (although it would be considered overkill by most people to have sex that often) if you have erectile dysfunction. However, an important point to note is that irrespective of the dosage, you are allowed to take no more than 1 tablet within 24 hours.

If your doctor finds out that you have kidney or liver problems, you are likely to get individual instructions as to the dosage and frequency with which it’s safe for you to take Viagra.

What natural alternatives to Viagra are there?

There are natural remedies that are believed to possess similar effects that Viagra offer. The most common ones include:

Arginine. This is an amino acid that occurs naturally in food. It boosts the production of nitric oxide in the body, which is essential for facilitating erections. This is a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction which has hardly any side effects on a man’s body.

Ginseng. This is a Korean natural herb that has been used by alternative medicine for many centuries to stimulate male sexual functioning. Studies have shown that this herb is able to enhance the rigidity of the penis by promoting the synthesis of nitric acid in the body that stimulates an erection.

Pomegranate juice. Apart from reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, drinking pomegranate juice, which is very rich in antioxidants, helps in treating erectile dysfunction, especially if the juice is taken on a regular basis.

DHEA. It is a natural supplement that provides some benefits such as boosting estrogen and testosterone levels. Studies show that if the dose of 5 mg is taken every morning, it can help solve cases of impotence in men.

Ginkgo Biloba. Many take this herb as a memory booster. Research has shown that it enhances blood flow to different parts of the body including pelvic area. Thus it can help men suffering from ED get an erection.

Despite the fact that these remedies have been used for a very long time, especially in Oriental medicine, no proper research has been done to scientifically prove the effects of these remedies on male erectile dysfunction. So needless to say that none of them has been approved by the FDA for ED treatment so far.

Generic Viagra : Discover a New World without ED

More than 5 million prescriptions for sildenafil citrate (or Viagra, the brand name under which it is better known) were written for men in the USA during the first six months after its approval by the FDA. This statistic shows that people had been waiting a long time for the drug and also that it is very popular due to its proven effectiveness.

What is sildenafil citrate?

Sildenafil citrate is the drug that most men with erectile dysfunction rely on to deal with the problem. While the name Viagra might be very familiar, what most people might not know is that the actual name for this magical pill is sildenafil citrate, which is the name of the main active ingredient in the tablet.

This pill was the first oral treatment for ED, and it came on the market in 1998. It is a PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase 5) inhibitor that helps men achieve and maintain an erection that is firm and stable enough for intercourse.

Sildenafil for ED

This drug is mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works by widening blood vessels in the penis to allow more blood to flow in, which in turn brings about and maintains a strong erection.

It works by inhibiting PDE-5, which is an enzyme that can lead to deterioration of cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). cGMP is a chemical that the body produces naturally, and it is vital for an erection. When the enzyme PDE-5 acts too strongly, it affects a man's ability to get and maintain an erection. Thus, sildenafil is designed to ensure that this does not happen by inhibiting the effect of the enzyme. Sildenafil has the ability to help relax muscles, thereby leading to vasodilation. As a result of vasodilation, an increased amount of blood is able to flow into the spongy tissues of the penis, thereby leading to an erection.

Sildenafil is able to inhibit PDE-5 for between 4 and 6 hours. How long the drug is active will depend on many things, such as your health, physical status, and age. However, the good news is that you will not have any trouble getting and maintaining an erection for up to 6 hours.

It is important to know, though, that sildenafil does not work as an aphrodisiac. It does not contain any ingredients that will enhance your libido or arouse you. The drug is only effective when you are sexually stimulated.

How to take it

The first step should always be to talk to your doctor before taking sildenafil. The doctor will advise you on the right dosage for you and also tell you whether it is suitable and safe for you. Regardless of the manufacturer, the pills usually come in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The 50 mg dose is what most doctors will recommend that you take when you try the drug for the first time. However, the dosage can be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25 mg depending on how your body reacts to it. But, make sure that you tell the doctor about any other medication that you are taking, as some drugs are known to have interactions with sildenafil.

The maximum recommended dose is 100mg per day, and so you should never go beyond this as doing so may result in some negative health implications. You should take the pill up to an hour before engaging in sexual activity because it usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes for the drug to start working. It is also worth knowing that you can take it with or without a meal, since food does not affect the absorption of the drug in most cases. However, some kinds of foods, such as those with a lot of fat, may increase the amount of time that it takes for the medication to kick in.

Other uses of sildenafil

A majority of people will use this drug to treat erectile dysfunction, but it also has other applications. Although some of these other uses might not be on the label, your healthcare professional may prescribe it if he believes that it will help alleviate your symptoms. The other conditions that sildenafil can treat include the following:

Pulmonary Hypertension: Viagra was originally intended to treat PAH (pulmonary hypertension), but during clinical trials researchers discovered that the drug was very useful in dealing with ED. An average dose of this drug will relax the arterial walls, in turn leading to a reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure. It is this pressure reduction that makes the drug effective in dealing with PAH because it reduces the workload on the right ventricle of the heart while also limiting the effects of heart failure on the left side.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A 2005 study of patients suffering from Raynaud's Phenomenon shows that the drug makes attacks last half as long, and it also significantly increases capillary blood velocity .

Muscular Dystrophy: Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors such as tadalafil are useful for treating such muscular dystrophies as Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Sildenafil side effects

Just like with any other drug, the side effects of sildenafil will vary from one person to the next. Whereas some men will not experience any side effects, others may experience more than one. However, in most cases, those side effects will be mild and go away after a few hours. The most common side effects that you can expect from using this drug are upset stomach, headaches, flushing, fever, trouble sleeping, vomiting, and nausea.

In some rare cases, the pill can cause severe reactions that will require you to seek out medical attention. One of these extreme side effects is an erection that does not go away for several hours. The medical term for this kind of effect is priapism, which a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Other uncommon but serious side effects are temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes, sudden hearing loss, and trouble breathing.

A short summary of the most important points about sildenafil

Most pharmacies require a prescription from the doctor in order to purchase the drug.

It is important to ensure that you only take one pill per day, and the dosage should never be more than 100mg per day.

This pill will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexual stimulation is necessary for the medication to work.

There are some types of medicines that can influence the way sildenafil works, so it is vital to tell your physician about any other medications you are taking.

Reviews

I’ve been using Viagra and other sildenafil pills for two years and I swear by them. Before I started on the pills I had a really hard time getting a firm erection; sometimes it deflated in the middle of intercourse. I can genuinely say I haven't had that problem for a long time. Currently, I prefer generics because they are much cheaper but have almost the same effect as branded Viagra.

Michael

I went for Viagra when I read online that sildenafil can work for some women as well. I know doctors can't really prescribe them to women, so I just decided to try it on my own. I was a bit wary of possible side effects, but luckily there was none. The results were really mild though. I felt a little more aroused, but still failed to reach an orgasm that time.

Sarah

I was really skeptical about Kamagra, with it being Indian and very cheap compared to Viagra. However, I tried it and the drug turned out really good. I can get erections much easier and quicker now than before, so that's a success by my standards. I haven’t tried any other ED medications though, so I don't know if they work better or worse.

Scott

I'm 56 years old, and until recently didn’t have any problems with erections. It's just three months ago that I failed to get an erection for the first time in my life. My wife said that I was probably just tired after work and there is nothing to worry about. I had the same thought myself, but I admit it was quite embarrassing despite the fact that we’ve been together for almost 20 years. Never used any ED drugs in my life, but though it was a good time to try. I ordered the so called sample pack - three pills: Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis. I’ve tried them all already and can’t really tell which one is better. They all worked so well that I felt like I was in my 20s again. However, it seemed as if Cialis had a longer effect on me.

Kenny

My husband was prescribed Cialis a couple of years ago because he started having problems getting aroused, which had never happened before. His erections were good for the whole time he was on the medicine, but his penis wasn't the only stiff part of his lower body — the lower back and leg pain made it hard for him to enjoy sex. Since then, his doctor has changed his prescription to Viagra and we're both very happy. His erections have been strong and consistent, and the side effects are mild to nonexistent.

Ella

When you are young, you don’t think about problems with health and especially with erection. You think you will always be a stallion, but it happens. Once you face ED, you feel lack of confidence. Don’t let things get you down! I am 49 years old and my sex is as good as in my youth due to generic Viagra. This remedy is really helpful and moreover affordable for everyone.

Jason

No matter what they say, don’t lose hope if you experience ED. It struck me four years ago. I visited several specialists; most of them told me that the main reasons were my bad habits and stresses. I tried generic Viagra and it helped. I still take it now from time to time and can advise you the same.

Simon

Like it or not, but intimate relationships play an important role in each family. After all, sex was created to bring joy and satisfaction. There is nothing better than good sex with a woman you adore. It is also good to have an assistant that comes to rescue. Generic Viagra is my personal assistant.

Gregory

Generic Viagra is an excellent product with a broad spectrum of action. It doesn’t only improve erection, but also raises the overall tone. If the manufacturer is ready to return the money in case of dissatisfaction with the client, it indicates the company's confidence in the quality of its product. Strongly recommended.